"Landa will lose all his condition and will have to start all over again" - Quick-Step will have to look for another mountain helper for Remco Evenepoel at Tour de France

Mikel Landa dramatically crashed out of the Giro d'Italia on it's very first day and that has spelled disaster for Soudal - Quick-Step. Not only have they lost their leader for the Corsa Rosa, but also their most important support rider for Remco Evenepoel at the Tour de France.

“I think it is frustrating for him to have to leave the Giro in this way. I'm not a doctor, of course. But after those four weeks of complete rest, Landa will lose all his condition and will have to start all over again." team DS Iljo Keisse said in words to Sporza.

After fracturing a vertebrae in the fall that saw him get taken out of the race in an ambulance, the 35-year old will require an extended period of recovery, and it's uncertain if he can ever reach the same level that he's had since joining the Belgian team. Over the past season and a half he's brought in plenty quality results and was always present for Remco Evenepoel when necessary at last year's Tour de France.

This season he was also supposed to be there for the Olympic Champion, but much like his teammate, he has suffered a big injury that is going to put him out off action for a long time. The team will need to find another right-hand man for Evenepoel for the Tour "but there aren't that many, it will be a puzzle" Keisse argues.